Museum Conservation Services
MS Art Conservation provides professional conservation services for institutional collections, specializing in works on paper and photographs. Operating from our climate-controlled laboratory in Colorado Springs and on-site at institutions across the United States, we deliver museum-standard treatments following the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Code of Ethics.
Comprehensive Conservation Solutions for Museums
As a peer-reviewed conservator with specialized training in fine-art photography and paper conservation, we understand the unique challenges museums face in preserving their collections.
Specialized Conservation Services
Our conservation services address the complex needs of museum collections. From detailed condition assessments to emergency response services, we provide comprehensive solutions for preservation challenges.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is usually to address damage or defects in appearance, while also being mindful of the long-term stability of the object. We specialize in conservation treatment of works of art on paper and photographs. Jennifer will evaluate your piece and provide a range of treatment options that reflect your needs and the needs of the object. Our specialized services address a range of condition issues commonly found in museum collections. Each treatment is documented with detailed photography and scientific imaging when appropriate.
Selected examples of condition issues we have experience treating:
-
Tears
-
Stains
-
Mold and water damage
-
Mount removal
-
Rolled or curled photographs
-
Physical damage - scrapes, scuffs, gouges
-
Cracks and creases
-
Planar distortions
-
Tape removal
Assessments and Surveys
We provide individual or collection wide assessments for all types of collections. Collections assessments may be specific - providing detailed condition reporting and treatment proposals, or more general - providing housing and environmental recommendations. Assessments and surveys are an important part of preservation priority planning, and can be tailored to the individual needs of your project or collection.
Education and training
Jennifer offers professional development opportunities tailored to museum staff and collection care professionals. Examples of common training we provide:
-
Collection care guidelines & preservation best practices
-
Photograph and print identification
-
Safe handling of works on paper and photographs
-
Environmental monitoring
-
Documentation standards and digitizing
-
Custom subjects based on your collections needs
Technical Documentation and Imaging
Every conservation treatment includes comprehensive documentation in writing and using high resolution digital photography. Our photography studio is designed to streamline our photography to ensure accuracy. All projects include basic before and after treatment photography. For complex projects, we provide to more technical imaging like UV and IR.
Emergency Response
Preparation - We can help you prepare emergency plans and highlight areas for improvement to prevent damage in the event of an emergency. After an emergency - We can help you triage, assess and repair damage to your collection.
Why Museums Choose Us?
Jennifer's reputation among museum professionals stems from a foundation of expertise, practicality, and proven results. We have earned the trust of numerous large and small museums. A select list:
-
The National Gallery of Art
-
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
-
The Menil Collection
-
The Denver Art Museum
-
The Denver Public Library
-
The Confederate Salish and Kootenai Tribes
-
The National Park Service
-
History Colorado
-
The Molly Brown House
-
Denver International Airport
-
The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum